U.S. to spend $7 million in effort to expand wood markets
The 10-story residential building at 475 West 18th will be the tallest structural timber building in New York City. The design is by SHoP Architects.
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is taking grant applications for projects that expand wood products and wood energy markets, especially in areas with high wildfire risk. Applications may be submitted through Jan. 22, 2018.
 
Grants provided through the agency’s Wood Innovations program not only help reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health, but also create jobs to promote economic vitality in our communities.
 
In 2018, the program will invest up to $7 million in projects designed to have a long-term impact on lands managed by the agency and other forest lands by leveraging the market for low-value wood. Funding is available to support a diverse range of activities, from completing engineering designs, cost analyses, permitting, or other requirements for the final stages of commercial construction projects using wood as a primary building material as well as developing a cluster of wood energy projects in a specific geographic area.
 
Funding may also support business planning and efforts to accelerate the manufacturing, market adoption, and demonstration of innovative wood products, such as cross-laminated timber.  
 
Since 2005, almost 280 grants have been awarded to small businesses, non-profits, institutions of higher education, tribes, states, and local governments to improve forest health while creating jobs, renewable energy and healthy communities. Since 2013, this funding has also helped establish 22 Statewide Wood Energy Teams and eight Statewide Wood Utilization Teams that collectively expand and support wood energy and wood products markets.
Components for the 10-story residential building known at 475 West 18th designed by SHoP Architects. It was one of two competition winners of the U.S. Tall Wood Building Prize, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Softwood Lumber Board and the Binational Softwood Lumber Council.
 
Last week was National Forest Products Week (Oct. 15-21), when we celebrate the value of America’s forests and the products they provide while recommitting to sustainably manage these splendid natural resources to meet our nation’s needs now and in the future.
 
October 19 was National Bioenergy Day, a day to unite organizations across the country that support bioenergy to demonstrate the many benefits that bioenergy provides at the local level. A diversified wood products industry enhances the resiliency of our ecosystems, sequesters carbon, and creates jobs in rural communities.
 
The deadline for submitting grant applications is Jan. 22, 2018. Information on how to apply is available on the Wood Innovations Grants website or the Wood Education and Resource Center website.
 
The mission of the U.S. Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains world-renowned forestry research and wildland fire management organizations.
 
National forests and grasslands contribute more than $30 billion to the American economy annually and support nearly 360,000 jobs. These lands also provide 30 percent of the nation’s surface drinking water to cities and rural communities; approximately 60 million Americans rely on drinking water that originated from the National Forest System. 
 
For more information about the U.S. Forest Service visit http://www.fs.fed.us/.
 

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About the author
Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.